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ADDRESS 


OF    THE 


HARIONIA  SACRED  MUSIC  SOCIETY 


OF    PHILADELPHIA 


WITH   ITS 


CONSTITUTION  AND  BY-LAWS. 


PHILADELPHIA: 

CmSSY  k  MARKLEY,  PRINTERS,  GOLDSMITHS  HALL,  LIBRARY  STREET, 

1852. 


^^^^^^r^^ 


ADDEESS 


OF    THE 


SACRED  MUSIC  S 


1 


r 


OF   PHILADELPHIA, 


WITH   ITS 


CONSTITUTION  AND  ^BY-LAWS. 


<  • » > » 


PHILADELPHIA: 

CRISST  &  MARKLET,  PKIXTERS,  GOLDS3nTH3  HALL,  LIBPwARY  STREET. 

1852. 


I'l'IOESH.JS 


OF  THE 


HARMONIA  SACRED  MUSIC  SOCIETY 


PRESIDENT. 


W.  H.  W.   DARLEY. 


TKEASUREE. 


GEORGE  F.  JONES. 


SECRETARY. 


WILLIAM   A.  ROLIN 


<  ♦  •  »  > 


BOARD    OF    DIRECTORS. 


W.  H.  W.  DARLEY, 
GEORGE  F.  JONES, 
WILLIAM  A.  ROLIN, 
GEORGE  W.  WOOD, 
THOMAS  M.  DAVIS, 
BENJAMIN  F.  SCULL, 


JOHN  R.  WELSH, 
EDWARD  C.  KRUG, 
BRYANT  FERGUSON, 
R.  B.  DAVIDSON, 
ELI  GRIFFITH, 
JOHN  WELCH. 


ADDRESS. 


The  city  of  Philadelphia,  with  a  population  of  nearly  half  a 
million;  should  possess  at  least  one  institution,  expressly  devoted  to 
the  cultivation  and  improvement  of  Sacred  Music.  That  it  does 
not,  is  one  of  those  anomalies  for  which  it  is  difficult  to  account. 
Music,  in  a  general  sense,  is  very  extensively  cultivated  in  our 
midst,  and  the  assertion  may  be  made  without  fear  of  contradic- 
tion, that  the  taste  of  the  musical  circles  of  Philadelphia  is  far 
more  correct  and  refined  than  that  of  our  sister  cities  of  the  Union. 
There  are  amateurs  among  us  whose  talent  places  them  in  an 
advanced  position  of  the  art.  3Iany  of  them  have  given  their 
attention  to  the  higher  descriptions  of  sacred  music,  and  yet,  not- 
withstanding strong  exertions  have  been  made  to  interest  the  public 
mind  and  taste  in  this  particular  branch  of  the  science,  it  has 
proved  almost  fruitless.  Some  attention  has  of  late  years  been 
given  to  the  improvement  of  Church  Music,  but  much  remains  to 
be  done  in  that  department.  Shall  the  advantages  so  far  gained, 
and  the  taste  thus  'parthj  awakened,  be  of  no  avail,  or  shall  we 
continue  to  sttive  with  renewed  effort,  until  the  end  be  attained  ? 

Repeated  attempts  have  been  made  during  the  last  thirty  years, 


to  establisli  Sacred  Music  societies  in  our  city,  but  without  success. 
They  have  been  formed,  and  started  into  life,  but  after  a  short 
existence,  have  expired,  and  are  now  almost  forgotten.  It  would 
be  useless  to  enumerate  them,  or  to  narrate  particularly  the  causes 
which  have  operated  against  their  permanent  establishment,  but  it 
is  obvious  to  all  who  have  given  the  subject  their  careful  attention, 
that  there  have  been  radical  defects  in  their  organization,  or  the 
manner  in  which  they  have  expected  to  carry  on  their  operations. 
The  want  of  success,  however,  is  not  altogether  chargeable  to  those 
who  have  been  the  originators  of  the  numerous  associations  referred 
to.  Their  efforts  were  laudable,  and  deserved  a  better  fate  than 
failure.  Our  citizens  have  stood  aloof  too  much ;  they  have  not 
sympathized  with  the  exertions  which  have  been  put  forth  :  their 
taste  in  this  department  has  not  been  reached,  awakened  smd/osteixd, 
as  it  should  be.  The  consequences,  therefore,  have  been  disastrous, 
and  the  struggle  thus  far,  has  been  in  vain.  Properly  appreciated, 
these  considerations  will  be  of  great  benefit  to  those  of  us  "  who 
come  after,"  and  great  caution  must  be  observed  by  all  making 
similar  attempts,  to  avoid  the  difficulties  their  predecessors  con- 
tended with,  and  to  remedy  (if  possible)  the  defects  that  have  here- 
tofore existed,  either  in  organization  or  plan  of  action. 

The  Harmonia  Sacred  Music  Society  of  Philadelphia  was 
organized  in  the  last  quarter  of  the  year  1850.  From  a  small,  but 
determined  effort  on  the  part  of  its  original  projectors,  it  has  sprung 
into  an  existence  which  is  now  believed  to  be  a  vigorous  and  healthy 
youth  )  we  hope  to  see  it  expand  into  the  full  stature  and  strength 
of  manhood.  That  which  has  by  many  been  justly  considered  a 
radical  defect,  the  want  of  an  act  of  incorporation,  is,  in  the  case  of 
our  society,  obviated,  for  a  charter  has  been  obtained  from  the 
Legislature  of  Pennsylvania,  liberal  in  its  provisions,  and  sufficiently 
comprehensive  in  its  details,  to  satisfy  all  who  are  interested  in  our 


welfare.  One  difficulty,  therefore,  in  the  way  of  a  permanent 
establishment  and  probable  success,  has  been  removed.  Another 
obstacle  in  the  way  of  successful  exertion,  the  absence  of  the 
desired  taste  for  sacred  music  on  the  part  of  our  citizens,  is  also 
being  rapidly  remedied,  for  the  most  indifferent  observer  cannot  fail 
to  see  that  the  taste  for  music  of  every  description  has  been 
increasing  for  several  years  past,  and  we  are  happy  to  say,  to  a  very 
great  extent.  Besides,  our  citizens  are  not  fully  aware  of  the  fact, 
that  the  "  great  masters''  of  every  age,  have  given  their  loftiest 
efforts  to  the  production  of  sacred  music.  Beethoven,  Mozart, 
Handel^  Haydn^  Rossini^  and  hosts  of  others,  have  sent  forth  to 
the  world  the  most  exquisite,  sublime  and  soul-stirring  melodies  and 
harmonies,  bearing  sacred  sentiments,  devoted  to  the  worship, 
adoration  and  praise  of  the  Almighty,  the  Creator,  and  the  Father 
of  us  all. 

Another  difficulty  in  the  way  of  success,  has  been  the  want  of  a 
rallying  point  of  some  magnitude,  which  is  especially  necessary  to 
the  welfare  and  proper  establishment  of  a  Sacred  Music  Society. 
The  great  expense  of  orchestral  accompaniments  in  organizing, 
practising  and  performing,  has  been  a  serious  weight  upon  the 
pecuniary  resources  of  an  association  of  this  kind.  Although  not 
wishing  to  do  away  entirely  with  so  desirable  an  accompaniment  as  a 
well  balanced  orchestra,  it  was  proposed  to  have  a  large  and  power- 
ful organ  built,  one  that  would  produce  grand  orchestral  effects,  and 
every  variety  of  beautiful  combinations.  A  number  of  our  citizens 
were  waited  upon,  by  a  committee,  and  with  commendable  liberality 
they  subscribed,  in  a  short  time,  a  sum  sufficient  to  build  a  nolle 
instrument  of  the  largest  clasSy  which  will  be  worth,  when  com- 
pleted, about  seven  thousand  dollars.  The  society  issued  certificates 
of  loan  to  each  subscriber,  bearing  interest  from  the  date  of  pay- 


ment,  in  stares  of  twenty  dollars  eacli,  and  a  contract  was  imme- 
diately made,  with  Mr.  J.  C.  B.  Standbridge,  of  our  own  city,  a 
gentleman  well  known  among  us,  and  one  who  has  the  ability  and 
skill  requisite  to  produce  a  splendid  specimen  of  this  most  noble  of 
all  instruments.  The  result  of  his  labors  will  be  such  as  to  leave 
no  doubt  that  it  will  be  considered  the  largest  and  best  organ  in  the 
United  States,  and  one  of  the  "lions"  of  Philadelphia.  It  will 
contain  about  sixty  stops,  comprising  about  three  thousand  pipes^ 
and  the  effect  of  this  instrument,  united  with  a  well-drilled,  efficient 
and  powerful  chorus,  must  certainly  be  not  only  grand,  but  pleasing 
to  every  lover  of  this  soul-inspiring  art. 

Owing  to  the  enterprise  and  public  spirit  of  our  townsman,  Mr. 
George  "W.  "Watson,  a  splendid  hall  is  being  built,  (in  Chesnut 
street,  between  12th  and  13th  streets,)  in  which  the  organ  will  be 
placed.  Thus  a  ^^  rallying  poini^  is  made,  a  home  for  our  members 
is  found,  and  with  judicious  management,  and  an  untiring  wish  to 
please,  we  confidently  expect  success. 

To  those  who  join  us,  wishing  to  cultivate  and  improve  their 
knowledge  of  singing,  we  offer  the  inducement  of  instruction  and 
amusement  at  a  very  small  expense,  for  each  season,  which  is  more 
than  repaid  them  by  the  concert  tickets  given  to  each  member. 
In  addition  to  this,  it  is  intended  to  give  relief  to  such  members  as 
may  require  it  in  time  of  sickness  and  distress,  as  the  charter 
expressly  provides  for  this  praiseworthy  object,  which  provision  can 
be  extended  as  the  means  of  the  society  may  allow. 

To  those  who  become  subscribers  to  our  concerts,  we  shall  give 
(to  the  best  of  our  ability,)  selections  from  the  works  of  the  Great 
Masters,  which  will  be  increased  in  great  variety,  as  rapidly  as  the 
means  of  the  society  improve.  It  is  proposed  to  give  a  series  of 
concerts  each  season,  to  which  a  limited  number  of  subscribers  will 


be  admitted  on  the  same  terms  as  is  customary  with  other  societies, 
adding  the  privilege  of  attending  the  rehearlsals  of  the  society  at 
such  times  as  the  by-laws  from  time  to  time  may  provide. 

The  love  of  music  is  as  yet  only  partially  developed  in  this 
country.  Kfree  tmdi  prosperous  people  must  love  "  the  divine  art.'' 
We  believe  the  time  to  be  rapidly  approaching  when  the  influence 
of  music  will  not  only  be  universally  acknowledged,  but  universally 
felt.  Our  city  has  not  kept  pace  with  others  of  our  country  in  its 
regard  for  sacred  music,  but  we  are  beginning  to  awake  to  the 
importance  of  a  full  and  universal  cultivation  of  the  taste  for 
music  of  every  kind,  and  when  once  aroused,  we  shall  not  soon 
return  to  our  slumbers.  So  refining  and  so  elevating  an  art,  when 
once  appreciated  and  enjoyed,  will  not  be  permitted  to  leave  us,  but 
it  will  be  desired  more  and  more,  until  all  shall  feel  its  power,  and 
all  enjoy  its  presence. 

The  art  of  Sacred  Music  is  yet  in  its  infancy,  so  far  as  the  prac- 
tice and  love  of  it  is  concerned.  Few  are  aware  how  susceptible  of 
improvement  is  the  performance  of  it.  It  must,  it  will  have  its 
proper  place  in  the  hearts  of  the  lovers  of  music  generally.  ^'  It 
has  a  power  peculiarly  its  own ;  a  purifying,  ennobling  and  ele- 
vating power,  and  will  find  its  way  into  places  where  naught  else 
will  penetrate."  The  taste  for  it,  when  cultivated,  by  hearing  the 
sublimest  compositions  the  world  can  boast  of,  will  increase  rapidly, 
and  open  to  many  a  source  of  pleasant  enjoyment  which  they  never 
imagined. 

We  ask  the  co-operation  of  those  among  whom  we  live,  to  carry 
out,  to  a  successful  issue,  our  present  plans,  and  with  their  aid  and 
countenance,  we  do  not  entertain  a  doubt  of  the  result.  We  believe 
the  time  has  now  arrived,  when  the  present  effort  made  by  the 
Harmonia  Sacred  Music  Society  will  be  a  successful  one,  and  that 
it  will  become  a  permanent  establishment  in  this  city.     We  launch 


8 

our  barque  upon  the  waters,  and  we  look  to  you  for  encouragement 

on  our  voyage.     "We*  do  it,  not  in  fear  and  trembling,  but  with  a 

firm  determination  to  deserve  success.     "We  can  only  ask  to  receive 

such  reward  as  we  merit.     We  desire  no  other,  and  if  perseverance 

and  united  effort  will  secure  it,  we  shall  have  attained  our  object; 

"  to  advance  the  cause  of  music  generally ^  and  of  sacred  music  in 

particular." 

W.  H.  W.  DARLEY, 

I^resident, 

GEORGE  F.  JONES, 

Treasurer. 

WILLIAM  A.  ROLI^, 

Secretary. 

Philadelphia,  October,  1852. 


AN  ACT 


TO  INCORPORATE 


THE  HARMOIIA  SACRED  MUSIC  SOCIETY 


OF  PHILADELPHIA. 


WhereaSj  Sundry  persons  in  the  city  and  county  of  Philadelphia, 
having  associated  for  the  purpose  of  cultivating  and  improving  a 
taste  for  Sacred  Music,  and  music  generally,  and  for  the  better 
enabling  them  to  accomplish  their  object  and  enlarge  the  beneficial 
influence  of  music  upon  the  minds  of  the  citizens :   Therefore 

Section  1.  Be  it  enacted  hy  the  Senate  and  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives of  the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania^  in  General  As- 
semhly  met^  and  it  is  hereby  enacted  hy  the  authority  of  the  same  : 
That  William  H.  W.  Darley,  G-eorge  F.  Jones,  John  K.  Welsh, 
John  Rutherford;  Jr.,  Thomas  M.  Davis,  Bryant  Ferguson,  and 
their  associates,  members  of  the  association,  called  the  Harmonia 
Sacred  Music  Society  of  Philadelphia,  and  all  such  persons  as  may 
be  hereafter  admitted  members  of  the  same,  shall  be  and  they  are 
hereby  constituted  and  declared  to  be  a  body  politic  and  corpo- 
rate, in  deed  and  in  law,  by  the  name,  style  and  title  of  "  The  Har- 
monia Sacred  Music  Society  of  Philadelphia/'  and  by  the  said 
corporate  name  shall  have  perpetual  succession,  to  use  a  common 
seal,  and  to  break,  alter  or  renew  the  same  at  pleasure,  and  to  take, 
hold  and  enjoy  lands,  tenements  and  hereditaments,  in  fee  simple, 
or  for  any  less  estate,  and  personal  property,  by  gift,  grant,  pur- 


10 

cliase,  devise  or  bequest,  or  other  lawful  means,  and  sell  or  dispose 
of  and  convey  and  assign  the  same,  to  sue  and  be  sued,  and  gene- 
rally to  do  and  perform  all  such  acts,  matters  and  things,  as  shall  be 
lawful  and  necessary  for  them  to  do  to  carry  out  the  full  and  true 
intent  of  this  act :  Provided,  That  the  clear  annual  income  of  the 
said  society  shall  not,  in  any  one  year,  exceed  the  sum  of  ten  thou- 
sand dollars. 

Section  2.  That  the  essential  object  of  the  said  Corporation  shall 
be  the  cultivation  of  skill  and  diffusion  of  taste  in  music,  and  the 
relief  of  the  performing  members  thereof,  in  case  of  sickness, 
infirmity  or  other  distress,  in  such  manner,  and  to  such  extent,  as 
may  be  determined  upon  and  established  in  the  by-laws  of  the 
said  society,  hereinafter  provided  for. 

Section  3.  That  the  ofiicers  of  said  Corporation  shall  be  a  Pre- 
sident, two  Vice-Presidents,  a  Treasurer,  a  Secretary  and  ten  Direc- 
tors, who  shall  constitute  a  Board  for  the  transaction  of  all  business 
of  the  society,  and  shall  be  elected  by  ballot,  by  such  of  the  mem- 
bers of  the  said  society  as  may  at  the  time  be  entitled  under  the 
by-laws  to  vote  at  the  Annual  Meetings  of  the  members,  to  be  held 
on  the  Fourth  Monday  of  November  in  each  and  every  year,  for- 
ever :  Provided,  That  in  case  an  election  at  any  time  should  not 
be  held  at  the  time  appointed  therefor,  the  said  society  shall  not, 
for  that  cause,  be  dissolved,  but  the  election  shall  be  held  so  soon 
thereafter  as  may  be,  and  until  such  election  shall  take  place,  the 
officers,  last  chosen,  shall  continue  in  the  transaction  of  all  busi- 
ness. 

Section  4.  The  Treasurer  shall  hold  his  office  during  the  plea- 
sure of  the  Board  of  Directors,  and  the  books,  papers,  moneys  and 
accounts  in  his  possession,  shall  be  at  all  times  subject  to  their 
inspection  and  control;  he  shall  give  security  to  the  Corporation,  to 
be  approved  by  the  Board  of  Directors,  conditioned  for  the  proper 
performance  of  his  duties,  and  for  the  faithful  application  of  all 
moneys  of  the  society  that  may  come  into  his  hands. 

Section  5.  That  the  members  of  said  society  shall  consist  of  two 
classes,  one  thereof  to  be  styled  ^^  Performing  Members,"  and  the 
other  ^^Contributing  Members." 


11 

Section  6.  The  Board  of  Directors  shall  have  the  control  over 
all  accounts,  moneys  and  property  of  the  said  society,  and  shall 
have  power  to  appropriate  the  funds  thereof,  in  such  manner  as  may 
to  them  appear  to  be  most  conducive  to  the  interests  and  objects  of 
the  society,  and  shall  have  full  power  to  make  such  by-laws  and 
ordinances  as  shall  and  may  be  deemed  necessary  to  effect  the 
objects  of  the  society,  and  the  same,  at  any  time,  to  revoke,  alter 
and  amend :  Provided,  That  such  by-laws  and  ordinances  shall  not 
be  repugnant  to,  or  inconsistent  with  the  Constitution  and  laws  of 
this  State  or  of  the  United  States. 

Section  7.  That  the  Board  of  Directors  shall  have  power  to 
assess,  levy  and  collect,  on  and  from  each  and  every  member  of  said 
society,  an  annual  contribution :  Provided,  That  the  same  shall  not 
be  less  than  one  dollar,  nor  greater  than  ten  dollars,  and  no  mem- 
ber of  the  said  society  shall  be  eligible  to  office,  or  entitled  to  vote 
at  any  election,  nor  be  entitled  to  benefits,  while  he  remains  in 
arrears  thereof. 

Section  8.  That  at  every  Annual  Meeting  the  Board  of  Direc- 
tors shall  make  a  full  report  of  the  condition  and  affairs  of  the 
society,  and  of  their  proceedings  during  the  time  they  shall  have 
acted. 

Section  9.  That  the  character,  duties  and  rights  of  the  several 
classes  of  members,  the  powers  and  functions  of  the  officers  herein- 
before mentioned,  and  of  all  those  who  may  be  hereafter  appointed, 
the  mode  of  supplying  vacancies  in  office,  the  times  of  meeting  of 
the  said  Corporation,  and  of  the  several  Boards  and  Committees 
respectively,  the  terms  of  admission,  the  mode  of  proposing  and 
electing  members,  the  causes  which  shall  justify  the  suspension  or 
disfranchisement  of  a  corporator,  and  the  other  concerns  of  the  said 
Corporation,  shall  be  regulated  by  the  by-laws  and  ordinances  of 
the  same,  to  be  made  in  pursuance  and  by  virtue  of  the  power  and 
authority  contained  and  granted  in  the  first  section  of  this  act. 

Section  10.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Secretary  to  give  public 
notice  of  the  time  and  place  of  each  annual  meeting  and  of  the  elec- 
tion of  officers.  The  present  officers  are  hereby  constituted  the  officers 
of  the  Corporation,  and  shall  continue  to  hold  and  exercise  their 


12 

respective  offices  until  the  Fourth  Monday  of  Xovember  next,  and 
until  the  officers  provided  for  in  this  act  shall  be  regularly  chosen 
as  aforesaid. 

JOHN  S.  RHEY, 
Speaker  of  the  House  of  Rejyresentativcs. 

JOHN  H.  WALKER, 

Speaker  of  the  Senate. 

Approved  the  fourth  day  of  May,  one  thousand  eight  hundred 

and  fifty-two. 

WILLIAM  BIGLER. 

Secretary's  Office, 

Pennsylvania y  ss. 

I  do  hereby  certify  that  the  foregoing  and  annexed  is  a  true 
and  correct  copy  of  the  original  act  of  the  General  Assembly, 
as  the  same  remains  on  file  in  this  office. 

\^-^^J(^  iw-  Testimony  whereof  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand 

and  caused  the  seal  of  the  Secretary's  Office  to  be  here- 


^^i^^i^  unto  affixed,  at  Harrisburg,  this  thirteenth  day  of  3Iay, 


^Jcn^"^      A.  D.  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty-two. 


E.  S.  GOODRICH, 
Dep.  Secretary  of  the  Commonivealth. 


BY-LAWS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

PRESIDENT. 

It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  President  to  preside  at  all  meetings  of 
the  Society  and  Board  of  Directors,  appoint  all  committees  not 
appointed  by  the  Board ;  announce  the  result  of  all  votes ;  see  that 
the  officers  and  committees  properly  perform  their  duties ;  enforce 
an  observance  of  the  Constitution,  By-Laws  and  rules  of  order ; 
vote  upon  questions  when  a  tie  occurs,  but  not  otherwise.  It  shall 
be  his  duty  to  direct  the  Secretary  to  call  a  special  meeting  upon 
application  of  five  members  of  the  Society.  Special  meetings  of 
the  Board  of  Directors  shall  be  subject  to  the  same  regulation. 

He  shall  be  ex-officio  member  of  each  Standing  Committee. 

CHAPTER  II. 

VICE   PRESIDENTS. 

One  of  the  Vice  Presidents  shall  possess  all  the  powers  and  per- 
form all  the  duties  of  the  President  whenever  he  is  absent,  unable 
to  act,  or  the  office  is  vacant. 

CHAPTER    III. 

TREASURER. 

The  Treasurer  shall  receive  and  receipt  for  all  moneys  that  may 
come  into  his  possession,  pay  all  drafts  of  the  Board  of  Directors, 
Relief,  or  other  committees  authorized  to  draw  from  the  funds  of 
the  Society ;  report  the  state  of  the  treasury  at  every  stated  meet- 
ing of  the  Board,  or  at  any  special  meeting  when  the  Board  may 
require,  and  at  the  expiration  of  his  official  career,  he  shall  hand 
over  the  books,  papers  and  funds  in  his  hands,  to  his  successor  in 
office. 


14 
CHAPTEE  lY. 

SECRETARY. 

The  Secretary  shall,  in  a  book  provided  for  the  purpose,  fairly 
and  regularly  enter  all  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  Society, 
with  a  register  of  the  names  of  members. 

He  shall  summon  the  Board  of  Directors,  and  give  notice  of  the 
meetings  of  the  Society,  as  may  be  directed ;  notify  special  com- 
mittees through  their  chairman ;  incorporate  the  reports  of  the 
Treasurer  and  Standing  Committees  in  the  minutes. 

He  shall  draft  and  forward  all  letters  directed  to  be  written  by 
the  Board  of  Directors,  and  shall  preserve  copies  thereof,  which  he 
shall  lay  before  the  Board,  together  with  such  communications  as 
shall  be  addressed  to  him,  and  shall  take  charge  of  all  communications 
addressed  to  the  Society  or  Board  of  Directors. 

CHAPTER  y. 

BOARD   OF   DIRECTORS. 

Section  1.  The  Board  of  Directors  shall  meet  on  the  fourth 
Monday  in  February,  May,  August  and  November,  at  such  time 
and  place  as  they  may  appoint.  Seven  members  shall  at  all  times 
constitute  a  quorum. 

Sect.  2.  Special  meetings  of  the  Board  may  be  held  at  the  call 
of  the  President,  or  five  members  of  the  Board. 

Sect.  3.  A  majority  of  the  Board  shall  have  power  to  fill  any 
vacancies  that  may  occur  in  their  body. 

Sect.  4.  They  shall  be  empowered  to  apply  the  funds  of  the 
Society  for  the  relief  of  those  performing  members  who  have  been 
regular  contributors  for  two  years,  who  are  in  any  way  disabled 
from  pursuing  their  respective  avocations,  and  shall  have  discretion- 
ary power  to  extend  relief  to  the  widows  and  children  of  deceased 
performing  members,  Frovided,  That  the  sum  so  applied  shall  not 
in  any  one  case  exceed  fifti/  dollars. 

Sect.  5.  All  drafts  upon  the  Treasurer,  except  those  of  the 
Relief  Committee,  must  be  made  by  sanction  of  the  Board  of 
Directors,  and  no  committee  except  that  above  named  shall  be 
authorized  to  contract  bills  or  make  appropriations  until  authority 
has  been  given  them  by  the  Board. 

Sect.  G.  The  annual  contribution  of  each  member  of  the  Board 
shall  be  three  dollcirs,  which  shall  entitle  him  to  all  the  privileges 
granted  by  the  Charter  and  By-Laws. 

Sect.  7.  The  President  and  Secretary  of  the  Society  are  ex-officio 
President  and  Secretary  of  the  Board. 


15 
CHAPTER  VI. 

STANDING   COMMITTEES. 

The  following  Standing  Committees  shall  be  appointed  or  elected, 
who  may  adopt  such  regulations  for  their  government  as  may  (being 
in  accordance  with  the  Constitution  and  By-Laws,  and  subject  to 
the  inspection  of  the  Board  of  Directors,)  fully  and  effectually  carry 
out  the  objects  of  their  appointment. 

First — Committee  on  Music. 

This  Committee  shall  consist  of  three.  It  shall  be  their  duty  to 
take  charge  of  the  musical  performances  of  the  Society,  under 
such  regulations  as  the  Board  of  Directors  may  see  fit  from  time  to 
time  to  prescribe. 

They  shall  receive  applications  from  persons  desirous  of  becoming 
performing  members,  and  certify  to  the  Board  such  as  they  may 
approve. 

Second — Committee  on  Finance. 

This  Committee  shall  consist  of  three  and  the  Treasurer  "  ex- 
officio."  It  shall  be  their  duty  to  devise  and  report,  from  time  to 
time,  the  best  practical  method  for  conducting  the  financial  aff"airs  of 
the  Society,  and  increasing  its  property. 

They  shall  inspect  the  accounts  of  the  Treasurer  previous  to  the 
annual  meeting,  and  report  the  result  of  their  investigations  to  the 
Board  of  Directors,  in  time  for  their  action  previous  to  said  meeting. 

Third — Committee  of  Relief  . 

This  Committee  shall  consist  of  five,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to 
receive  and  examine  all  applications  for  relief,  and  when  they  believe 
the  object  worthy  and  eligible,  they  shall  extend  such  aid  as  the 
necessities  of  the  case  may,  in  their  judgment,  require :  Provided, 
That  no  applicant  shall  receive  more  than  fiffij  dollars  within  any 
period  of  twelve  months,  without  special  action  of  the  board. 

They  shall  report  the  result  of  their  operations  at  every  meeting 
of  the  Board,  and  if  it  should  be  deemed  conducive  to  the  welfare 
of  the  Society,  they  shall  present  all  the  attendant  circumstances, 
withholding  the  name  of  the  applicant,  unless  called  for  by  a  vote. 

A  majority  of  the  Committee  shall  have  power  to  act,  and  their 
orders  on  the  Treasurer  shall  be  signed  by  said  majority,  including 
the  Chairman,  or  in  his  absence  the  Chairman  pro  tem. 

CHAPTER  YII. 

REPORTS  OP,  AND  VACANCIES  IN  COMMITTEES. 

Section  1.  All  Committees  appointed  for  special  purposes  shall 
report  at  each  stated  meeting  until  discharged. 


16 

Sect.  2.  No  Committee  shall  be  discharged  until  all  bills  incurred 
by  it  shall  have  been  paid. 

Sect.  3.  The  President  shall  fill  all  vacancies  that  may  occur  in 
any  Standing  or  Special  Committee,  and  the  Board  of  Directors 
shall  have  power  to  remove  any  member  of  said  Committee  at  their 
pleasure. 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

CHAIRMAN  OP  COMMITTEES. 

Section  1.  The  first  named  on  a  Committee  shall  act  as  Chair- 
man thereof  until  another  shall  have  been  chosen,  and  all  reports 
of  Special  Committees  must  be  signed  by  a  majority,  unless  it  be  a 
minority  report.  Reports  of  Standing  Committees  may  be  signed 
by  the  Chairman  only. 

Sect.  2.  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Chairman  of  all  Committees 
to  call  meetings  and  notify  members  of  the  time  of  assembling. 

CHAPTER  IX. 
members. 

Section  1.  The  election  of  members  shall  be  confided  to  the 
Board  of  Directors. 

Sect.  2.  Every  performing  member  shall  pay  into  the  treasury 
the  sum  of  tico  dollars  per  annum,  and  every  contributing  member 
shall  pay  five  dollars  in  like  manner — in  addition,  each  performing 
and  contributing  member  may  pay  one  dollar  annually  into  the 
treasury,  which  will  entitle  him  (not  being  in  arrears,)  to  vote  at 
any  meeting  of  the  Society. 

Sect.  3.  Any  member  of  the  Society  in  arrears  to  the  amount  of 
two  years  contributions,  or  who  refuses  to  pay  the  respective  contri- 
butions, shall  be  liable  to  expulsion. 

Sect.  4.  When  a  charge  shall  have  been  made  against  any  mem- 
ber, and  a  motion  to  expel  made,  such  motion  shall  be  referred  to 
the  Board  of  Directors,  who  only  shall  take  action  upon  it.  Notice 
shall  at  once  be  given  the  member  against  whom  the  charge  is 
made,  of  the  existence  of  such  charge,  by  the  Secretary. 

Sect.  5.  Any  member  desiring  to  resign  shall  signify  the  wish 
in  writing,  addressed  to  the  Board  of  Directors,  and  pay  all  dues, 
those  of  the  current  year  inclusive. 

Sect.  6.  Seven  members  of  the  Society,  assembled  at  a  special 
meeting,  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business. 

CHAPTER  X. 

change  of  by-laws. 

No  alteration  or  amendment  shall  be  made  in  these  by-laws,  un- 
ess  the  same  shall  have  been  proposed  at  a  meeting  of  the  Board 
of  Directors  one  month  previous  to  action  being  taken. 


^^^ 


